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CEOs are re-evaluating work environments, with 72% expecting a full office return and 24% considering hybrid models. Incentives for office return are split, reflecting a traditional office-centric mindset. Amidst this, there's a strong focus on inclusion, diversity, and equity (IDE), with 68% of Qatar's CEOs content with the pace of progress, aligning with global trends. Gender equity in leadership and diversity at senior levels are seen as key to driving growth and adapting to future challenges.

Noting the impact of remote working on hiring, collaboration, and productivity, CEOs continue to assess ways of working to support their growth objectives. In 2022, 80 percent of CEOs considered in-office working as the go-to office environment over the next 3 years. This view is supported in 2023 with 72 percent expecting a full return to office in the next three years, 24 percent indicating a hybrid working model for this period, and four percent envision fully remote working. In terms of incentivizing staff to return to the office, only 33 percent indicated that they are prepared to reward employees with favourable assignments, raises or promotions. 33 percent were neutral on the matter and 33 percent indicated that they were unlikely to do so.

In today's dynamic business landscape, forward-thinking CEOs recognize the undeniable power of inclusion, diversity, and equity as catalysts for sustainable growth. Embracing diverse leadership is not just progressive—it's essential for future success.


Barbara Henzen
Partner, Head of Tax
KPMG in Qatar

This sentiment highlights the continued prevalence of conventional office-focused mindsets among CEOs. This perspective emerges amidst discussions on hybrid work, which has notably boosted productivity in the last three years and garnered significant support from employees, especially the younger workforce. As companies develop their strategies for returning to the office, it's vital for leaders to adopt a forward-thinking approach that prioritizes employee benefits and addresses their concerns and needs, ensuring that talent is cultivated and backed.

In the next three years, CEOs expect corporate employees whose roles were traditionally based in office to be:

      Back in office

        Hybrid

      Remote

Source: KPMG 2023 CEO Outlook

KPMG!
33 %

say they will likely reward employees who make an effort to come into the office with favorable assignments, raises or promotions.

The significance of entrepreneurship in Qatar's economy cannot be overstated. Focusing on the development of young talent is essential. Through a range of programs and activities, we aspire to empower them and cultivate meaningful relationships that will drive our collective success.


Ibrahim Bn Khalid Al Sulaiti
President
Youth Entrepreneurship Council

Navigating the shift from traditional office-based structures to a global network of remote workspaces has reshaped our approach to productivity and company culture. The key lies in adopting a flexible work model that aligns with organizational goals, prioritizes employee well-being, and fosters effective collaboration, whether in-office, remote, or through a hybrid approach. At QIC Group, depending on the country we operate in, we ensure choosing the best work model that helps these companies achieve their strategic priorities and perform at a high level without sacrificing their employees’ well-being.


Salem Al Mannai
CEO
QIC Group

There is broad alignment among Qatar’s CEOs on the importance of inclusion, diversity, and equity (IDE) in their business with 68 percent submitting that the pace of progress is not slow. This contrasts with their global counterparts (66 percent) who believe that progress has been slow. Qatar’s CEOs (72 percent) are aligned with global CEOs (71 percent) in that the scrutiny of organizations' diversity performance will continue to increase over the next three years. In response, Qatar’s CEOs (68 percent) and global CEOs (77 percent) are also aligned that achieving gender equity in their C-suite will help to assure that they can meet their growth ambitions. Qatar’s CEOs (64 percent) and global CEOs (72 percent) are also in agreement that workplace diversity will require implementing a change across senior leadership level.

Explore the CEO Outlook